Downturned

Downturned is an adjective meaning oriented downward or bent toward the ground. It describes shapes, positions, or movements that slope or droop and can apply to physical objects, body features, or abstract trends. The term is often used with nouns such as mouth, corners, leaves, petals, hair, or lines.

In body language and facial description, downturned refers to corners of the mouth that bend downward, giving an impression of sadness, disapproval, or somberness. Downturned eyes, lips, or expressions appear in art, photography, and clinical observation. While not a precise diagnostic term, it conveys mood or intention in a visual or descriptive context.

In the natural world and in clothing, downturned shapes occur when gravity or weight causes parts to sag. Leaves and petals may be downturned when water collects or during stress conditions. In fashion or tailoring, a downturned hem or collar angles toward the body, creating a sloping line.

In linguistics and phonology, downturned can describe a falling or downward-moving pitch contour at the end of a phrase or utterance, part of a broader discussion of intonation patterns. In economics and statistics, downturned describes data, markets, or projections trending downward, the opposite of upturned or upward.

Etymology: from down + turn, with usage attested in early modern English. See also upturned, downturn, downward.